ROYAL REGRET
Queen, 95, pulls out of Easter event next week ‘with regret’ but continues working hard on video calls
THE Queen has "regretfully" pulled out of an Easter event next week.
Her Majesty, 95, had been due to attend a service at St George's Chapel in Windsor on April 14, but she will instead be represented by Prince Charles and Camilla.
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It is the first time the Prince of Wales will take the Queen's place at the Maundy Day church service.
The annual event is an important fixture in the royal calendar and will see Charles follow the ancient tradition of distributing Maundy money to community stalwarts on Thursday.
He and Camilla will meet the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend David Conner KCVO and the Lord High Almoner, the Right Reverend Dr. John Inge.
Afterwards, they will proceed to the West Steps for an official photograph.
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Meanwhile, the monarch, who was been experiencing mobility issues, will continue to hold virtual meetings by video call.
It is understood she had been unable to commit to the event as the order of service was being printed today.
She, however, was said to be keen for the arrangements to be confirmed to avoid any misunderstanding, or for the day to be overshadowed.
The Queen has been forced to pull out of several recent engagements following a number of health scares including a battle with Covid.
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She missed last month's Commonwealth Day ceremony due to concerns about her “comfort”.
The Head of State has also been seen using a walking stick over the last six months and in February told a visitor at Windsor Castle: “As you can see, I can’t move.”
But in March, Her Majesty received a £62,000 golf buggy to help her get around and fulfil future engagements.
And she walked unaided at a memorial service to her late husband Prince Philip on March 29.
The monarch had strolled arm-in-arm with her "favourite" son Prince Andrew as the thanksgiving service began at Westminster Abbey.
But once she reached the end of the aisle, she detached herself from Andrew's elbow and confidently made the last few steps alone.
Thursday will only be the fifth time the Queen hasn't been in attendance at the Maundy service during her 70-year reign.
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She was represented by the Lord High Almoner in 1954 while she was on a Commonwealth Tour, and the Queen Mother took her place in 1960 after Prince Andrew was born.
In 1964, the Princess Mary, Princes Royal, attended following the birth of Prince Edward, and the Queen Mother went in her place in 1970 while the monarch was on a tour in New Zealand.
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